Approval of Hondoq ir-Rummien project would be a mockery of Eco-Gozo

Published on www.maltastar.com on Wednesday 19th May, 2010.

Environmental NGOs said that the credibility of Eco-Gozo campaigns hangs in the balance as the Qala Creek project for a hotel, approximately 250 residences and a yacht marina in the Hondoq hillside is assessed.

The environment and heritage NGOs Archaeological Society Malta, Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar, Friends of the Earth Malta, GAIA Foundation, said: “The approved Gozo and Comino Local Plan proposes the Hondoq ir-Rummien
area as a Site of Ecological Importance, a Site of Scientific importance for its geology, an Area of Ecological Importance and as a Category ‘A’ valley.”

Moreover a proposed Area of High Landscape Value (AHLV) which imposes the tightest restrictions against residential, commercial or tourism development, including roads and public utility services.

The NGOs strongly support these recommendations - in a year dedicated to sustainability and biodiversity. Approval of a project that destroys habitats and proposes large-scale building in the countryside with very negative effects on Qala village, would make a mockery of Eco-Gozo.

The seven NGOs therefore urge MEPA to refuse this project, and to stand by its Chairman’s recent words: ‘The Board takes decisions based on today’s planning policies and on the principle of sustainable development while making sure that permits are granted in the public interest.’